Anxiety-Learn

Learn More About Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences some anxiety in life. Taking a test, speaking in front of a group, going on a first date, and driving in heavy traffic are common sources of anxiety. However, anxiety disorders, involve more than temporary fear or worry. When feelings of intense fear and distress develop and start to interfere with our normal daily activities and functioning, then an anxiety disorder may have developed. If this is the case, the anxiety does not go away and can get progressively worse over time.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Approximately 40 million adults in the U.S. (18%) have an anxiety disorder. An estimated 8% of children and teenagers experience the negative impact of an anxiety disorder before the age of 21. Women are 60% more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.1

Although there are different types of anxiety disorders, they do share some things in common. They all deal with persistent, excessive worry or fear in situations that are not threatening or overly demanding. They also often cause people to experience one or more emotional symptoms:

Apprehension/ Dread

Tenseness/ Jumpiness

Restlessness/ Irritability

Anticipation of danger or things going wrong

People may also experience one or more physical symptoms:

Racing or pounding heart/ Shortness of breath

Upset stomach/ Diarrhea/ Frequent urination

Insomnia/ Fatigue/ Headache

Sweating/ Tremors/ Twitches

Different anxiety disorders also have their own unique symptoms that are particular to that disorder requiring a coordinating treatment plan.2

Request Free Brochures about “Anxiety and Depression,” “Post-traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD,” “Depression,” “Panic Disorder,” “Social Anxiety Disorder,” “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD,” and “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” made available by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. You may also download brochures with this link.3

MOST COMMON ANXIETY DISORDERS:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – People with GAD exhibit chronic, excessive anxiety or worry about everyday life that interferes with daily functioning. Other possible symptoms include:

Overly concerned about about money, health, family, work, or other issues

Inability to stop the worry cycle, even though usually realize the anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants5

Younger people may worry excessively about a variety of things such as grades, family issues, relationship with peers, and performance in sports. They tend to be very hard on themselves and strive for perfection. They may also seek constant approval or reassurance from others.6 Triggers for anxiety in younger people are often quizzes and tests.

Panic Disorder – People with Panic Disorders have reoccurring sudden panic attacks that are often characterized by sudden periods of intense fear and fear of a recurring attack. Other symptoms include:

These symptoms are often mistaken for a heart attack and are so uncomfortable that people will go to extreme measures to avoid triggering a panic disorder, such as isolating themselves from people or places that could cause a trigger.7 Approximately six million American adults experience panic disorder in a given year. Typically it develops in early adulthood. Women are twice as likely as men to have panic disorder.8

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has a book for purchase called, “Facing Panic, Self-Help for People withPanic Attacks,” which describes seven steps to break the cycle of panic. The ADAA website provides a free download of the the charts found in this book to help you practice and track the skills you learn to overcome panic. Link here to the ADAA website to download charts. Some topics covered by the charts are: Practice Calming Skills, Practice Creating Symptoms, Listing and Ranking My Feared Situations, Preparing to Practice, and Learning From Practice.9

Phobias – People with phobias try to avoid certain places, things or situations that make them feel much more than merely uncomfortable. These triggers invoke a very intense, fearful reaction that is irrational. Most people with phobias have many triggers, so they try very hard to avoid them at all costs. This can be overwhelming and control much of their lives.10

Social Anxiety Disorder – People with Social Anxiety Disorder have an intense fear of social situations because they are afraid they are going to be judged for saying something wrong, embarrassing or offensive. They feel they will be judged and/or rejected by others. They can experience one or more of the following additional symptoms:

Younger people may fear being called on in class, starting a conversation with a peer, or completing a public speaking assignment in class. 13 Class attendance may significantly decrease.

Causes for Anxiety Disorders

Scientists believe that both genetics and environmental factors can cause Anxiety Disorders. Some families have a higher number than average of family members suffering from anxiety issues. Studies support that anxiety disorders run in families. A stressful or traumatic event in a person’s environment such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence or prolonged illness can also contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder.14

Articles From HelpGuide.org offering Tips on How to Manage Stress and Worrying: